After already discussing the Toronto Raptors and Brooklyn Nets, we now shift our attention to the Boston Celtics. The Celtics are sitting at 11-21, which has placed them third in the Atlantic Division and 11th in the Eastern Conference. Boston is now fully committed to rebuilding, as they have finally let go of veteran Rajon Rondo after years of rumours and speculations. The Celtics are now looking forward with the core of Smart, Bradley and Sullinger to lead them into the future.
Note: Games recapped were played between 29/12 - 5/1
Wednesday, 31st December, 2014 - Sacramento Kings @ Boston Celtics
Kings 84 Celtics 106
Jared Sullinger led the team in scoring with 20 points on 50% shooting, he also grabbed a team high 11 rebounds (3 offensive). Evan Turner dished out 11 assists in what was a team high for the Boston Celtics.
Key Performers:
Jared Sullinger: 20 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 50% FG
Evan Turner: 10 points, 6 rebounds, 11 assists, 40% FG
Kelly Olynyk: 15 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 60% FG
Friday, 2nd January, 2015 - Dallas Mavericks @ Boston Celtics
Mavericks 119 Celtics 101
Avery Bradley scored 22 points, while shooting 45% from the floor, Tyler Zeller grabbed 10 boards (2 offensive) and rookie, Marcus Smart dished out 8 assists in which was a promising game for the future star of the Celtics.
Key Performers:
Avery Bradley: 22 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 45% FG
Tyler Zeller: 17 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 78% FG
Jeff Green: 18 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 47% FG
Sunday, 4th January, 2015 - Boston Celtics @ Chicago Bulls
Celtics 104 Bulls 109
Evan Turner played arguably his best game of the season, scoring 29 points on 55% shooting. Jared Sullinger grabbed 16 rebounds (with 8 offensive - huge numbers) and Evan Turner also led the team in assists, with 6.
Key Performers:
Evan Turner: 29 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 55% FG
Jared Sullinger: 16 points, 16 rebounds, 2 assists, 47% FG
Avery Bradley: 17 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, 53% FG
Division recap:
The Atlantic Division is arguably one of the weaker divisions in the NBA. Consisting of poorly performing teams (intentional or otherwise) the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers.
The Toronto Raptors had a tough week, losing all three of their games (although all were against strong Western Conference teams).
TORONTO: W0 - L3
TOR @ POR TOR @ GSW TOR @ PHX
97 102 105 126 109 125
The Brooklyn Nets played in five games this past week, winning three out of five.
BROOKLYN: W3 -L2
SAC @ BKN BKN @ CHI BKN @ ORL BKN @ MIA DAL @ BKN
99 107 96 82 100 98 84 88 96 88
The New York Knicks had another poor week, losing all four of their games.
NYK @ LAC DET @ NYK MIL @ NYK NYK @ MEM
78 99 97 81 95 82 83 105
The 76ers won only one out of four games this week.
PHI @ GSW PHI @ PHX PHI @ LAC CLE @ PHI
86 126 96 112 91 127 92 95
Stay tuned for next week, where we discuss how the New York Knicks performed throughout the week.